Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence, known as overactive bladder, is often caused by pregnancy, can also include stress incontinence. See symptoms, causes and treatments.
Urinary Incontinence & Bladder Issues
Numerous conditions, pelvic floor disorders and lifestyle choices can affect the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract, the system that processes urine and carries it out of the body. Pelvic floor disorders can also cause incontinence, or the loss of voluntary control over urination.
One of the biggest misconceptions about incontinence is that it’s a condition prevalent solely among older individuals. In fact, studies show there is a strong association between the physical stresses incurred during sport participation and incontinence. Additionally, one third of all postpartum women experience urinary stress incontinence.
As women get older, the bladder changes, weakens and becomes less stretchy. This can cause many common problems from making the bladder harder to empty, causing urine to leak or making it feel as if a person needs to “go” more often.
Learn more about some types of incontinence and other bladder issues, including symptoms, causes and treatments provided by CU Urogynecology.
Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a group of urinary symptoms that produces the feeling that one has to go to the bathroom urgently (“gotta go”) and often.
Incontinence After Childbirth
Postpartum incontinence is the involuntary urination that new moms experience after giving birth. It is caused by the increased weight of the uterus weakening the pelvic floor muscles and hormones produced in pregnancy that make tissues and joints more elastic for giving birth. Treatment options range from dietary changes and bladder training to injections and surgery.
Menopause & Urinary Symptoms
Changes in a woman’s urinary function often accompany menopause due to hormones, causing symptoms like frequent urination. See postmenopausal treatments.
Urination Problems/Difficulty Urinating
Urination problems can include urinary incontinence, caused by UTIs, prolapsed bladders, pregnancy and menopause. Treatments depend on the underlying cause.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
A UTI is a painful urinary tract bacterial infection affecting a womans' pelvic health, considered recurrent if they occur two or more times in six months.